Bent: I'll Miss Charlton Fans

The new Tottenham boy paid tribute to the Addicks supporters shortly after signing for Spurs last week.

Bent moved on for £16.5m and while the funds will help the clubs financial loss of relegation, he will be a massive loss both on and off the pitch.

Speaking to Charlton's official website www.cafc.co.uk Bent said, 'I'm definitely sad to leave after two great years here," he said. 'The fans were magnificent and brilliant to me, and I loved playing for the club.

'If it wasn't for Charlton, the coaching staff and everyone involved I wouldn't be able to justify such a big transfer fee, and I hope it helps the club."

'The fact that I have moved for such a big fee is down to Charlton,' he said. 'Hopefully the manager will be able to use some of the money to strengthen and lead the club back to the Premiership where it belongs.

'It looks like not too many people have left while a few people have come in, so that's only going to add to a fantastic squad of players already.'

Bent was the fans favourite player and under Les Reed he was made club captain. He held on to the arm band until his departure and that was one of his personal highlights during his 2 years at The Valley. 'My highlights would be signing for the club and being made captain,' he continued. 'Just playing week-in, week-out at The Valley was fantastic.

'My whole family will miss it. Everyone used to love coming down there on a Saturday and a Tuesday. It was brilliant.

'My mum had a box at the ground and used to love watching every game. She and the rest of the family will miss the club just as much as me.'

The Valley supporters received special praise from the departing forward, who said: 'The fans have been tremendous to me, and I will always have a special place for them in my heart.

'Anyone who knows me and the people who have seen me play in the last two seasons will know that I always fought tooth and nail for the cause.

'I saw Richard Murray's comments, and it was nice for the chairman to say I was a model professional and praise my efforts.

'I appreciate everything he did for me and everything the people at the club did in making me welcome from the day I got there. To leave is a sad occasion.'

So Bent's days as a Charlton player are now no more and he leaves by starting next season in the Premiership and his new life at White Hart Lane.

'It's a massive club and a massive step I'm taking and I'm relishing the chance,' Darren said.

'I'm thankful to be given the opportunity and hopefully I'll be able to grab it with both hands.'

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